Double Jogging Strollers

Jogging strollers for two

Parents of twins or of multiple children may want to consider a double jogging stroller. One of the biggest problems with double joggers is their width: Most are between 30 and 38 inches wide, which can make for a tight squeeze through doorways and down store aisles. The majority of double jogging strollers have the same features as their single counterparts, so the top-rated BOB and Baby Jogger strollers are good options in this category as well.

Among jogging strollers with fixed front wheels -- suitable for running -- parents say they like the Baby Jogger Performance Double (*Est. $530) for its durability and large, independently adjustable sun canopies. The Performance Double, which has a 150-pound total capacity, measures 33.5 inches in width. It has direct-pull V brakes, which are more powerful than traditional stroller brakes, and large 20-inch wheels (most jogging strollers have 16-inch wheels, but experts recommend strollers with 20-inch wheels for long-distance runners). Other features include an under-seat storage basket, a rear parking brake and quick-release wheels. The Baby Jogger Performance Double weighs 26 pounds and comes with a lifetime frame warranty; other components are covered for one year.

Christine Luff, the running guide for About.com, says the Baby Jogger Performance Double tracks straight and rides well, and the new V-brake improves handling and breaking performance. The authors of one top baby gear book say that Baby Jogger strollers have excellent quality and durability. The few user reviews available are also positive. About seven parents review the Baby Jogger Performance Double at JoggingStroller.com, an online retailer. "I run a lot of miles and can tell right off that this stroller is rock solid, made of quality parts, and balances easily with just one 30 lb. kid on either side," one parent writes. High points include a very large weight capacity and quick-rolling wheels. Even so, some reviewers just find it too large and, though liking the stroller overall, recommend it for parents with lots of storage space and large sidewalks or trails to run on.

Like their single counterparts, the BOB jogging strollers receive excellent reviews. The BOB Ironman Duallie (*Est. $480) is most suitable for running since it has a fixed front wheel. It has a lower weight capacity (100 pounds) than the Baby Jogger Performance Single, and it has 16-inch wheels instead of 20. The BOB Ironman Duallie has plenty of storage space with an under-seat cargo basket, four interior seat pockets and two seat-back pockets. The shock absorber system provides 3 inches of travel for a comfortable ride, and the canopies are independently adjustable. It's only 30.8 inches wide, so the BOB stroller is a little narrower than competing models. It comes with a five-year frame warranty and one year for other components.

The Ironman Duallie stroller earns a 4-star rating after 35 parents weigh in at JoggingStroller.com. Users say the stroller is surprisingly easy to push and provides a smooth, comfortable ride for their children. "It runs like a dream and my kids (ages 3 and 6 months) were asleep before we even got out of the neighborhood," one owner writes. However, some parents find it hard to turn or complain that the stroller is bulky when folded.

If you prefer an all-terrain stroller, which has a swiveling front wheel for easy maneuverability, experts recommend the BOB Revolution Duallie (*Est. $570). According to online reviews, many owners use the Revolution Duallie for jogging (the front wheel can be locked for better handling), but experts recommend fixed-wheel strollers for running. This all-terrain stroller weighs 32 pounds and has 100-pound weight limit. The rear wheels measure 16 inches, while the swiveling front wheel is 12.5. The storage and safety features are identical to the BOB Ironman Duallie, and they have the same five-year frame warranty.

Owners are very pleased with the Revolution Duallie, as evidenced by user reviews. At Buzzillions.com, nearly 200 reviewers give the Duallie a near-perfect rating. Most say the double stroller maneuvers just as easily as the single version, even in crowded areas or shopping malls. "It is extremely rugged and makes taking a walk (or jog) on nearly any kind of terrain a breeze -- grass, rocks, bumpy terrain, you name it," one owner writes. The Bob Revolution Duallie has a fixed-height handlebar, which annoys some parents, although most say it is positioned at a good height. Some would also appreciate a larger under-seat basket.

The top-rated double strollers are expensive, and few budget models earn high ratings in reviews. The Baby Trend Expedition Double (*Est. $200) is one exception. It can accommodate up to 100 pounds, and it's not much heavier (32.5 pounds) than the BOB Duallie strollers. The swivel front wheel can be locked in place, and the stroller includes a parent tray with cup holders and built-in speakers for an MP3 player. The Baby Trend Expedition Double has a 180-day warranty.

More than 100 users at Walmart.com give the Baby Trend Expedition Double above-average ratings. Parents say the double stroller is easy to assemble, folds easily and provides a comfy ride for their children. They also think the value is hard to beat, since other double strollers cost more than twice as much. The large sun canopy also gets high marks. However, parents say the speakers are poor quality and some think the stroller is too wide at 31.5 inches. We also saw a few reports that the front wheel starts to shake a lot and the wheel bolts require constant tightening.You can read more in our separate report on double strollers.